Media

Meth Lab Discovered At East Memphis Motel

Release Date: May 4, 2005

Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies who went to an east Memphis motel to arrest a wanted person not only found the man they were looking for but also found evidence of a meth lab in his motel room.

Just after 2:00 p.m., Shelby County Deputies received a tip that Randy Davey, 34, of Millington, wanted on a domestic violence charge, was hiding out at the Memphis Inn on Macon Road near Sycamore View Road.

Officers with the Metro Gang Unit went to the motel to investigate. When officers knocked on the door, Davey opened it. After placing Davey under arrest, investigators discovered many products in the room used to produce methamphetamine.

A propane tank, coffee filters, and boxes of cold tablets containing the ingredients used in the production of methamphetamine, were found. Many of the items were hidden in secret compartments including the ceiling. Deputies say there was evidence methamphetamine had been cooked in the room. However, the lab was not in operation at the time of the raid.

As a precaution, a resident staying next door to Davey’s room was evacuated. The Memphis Fire Department, Memphis and Shelby County Emergency Management and the Shelby County SWAT Team were called to the motel to ensure the safety of the area.

Randy Davey was arrested for Failure to Appear in Court on the domestic violence charge. Other charges related to the meth lab are pending.

This is the second time in the past year that Deputies have arrested someone involved with operating a meth lab at a motel.

In September, 2004, Deputies raided another motel on Lamar near American Way. Officers arrested four people in that investigation.

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